Isack Hadjar Faces Grid Penalty at Belgian Grand Prix

Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar to Start Belgian Grand Prix from Back of Grid

The FIA has confirmed that Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar will start Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid. The penalty follows the installation of new power unit components that exceeded the permitted limit for the 2026 season.

Technical Infractions and Regulatory Penalties

Hadjar has moved to a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and exhaust system. Under current FIA F1 Regulations, drivers are limited to four of each component for the season. Each additional element introduced carries a 10-place grid penalty, resulting in a total accumulation of 30 grid spots for the Red Bull driver. According to the stewards’ verdict, the penalty is applied under Article B8.2.8 of the FIA F1 Regulations. Furthermore, Article B2.5.4b.iv mandates that any driver who accrues more than 15 cumulative and unserved grid position penalties must automatically start the race from the back of the grid. Hadjar, who openly discussed the impending penalty on Thursday, told French television station Canal+ that he anticipated starting in 22nd position. He noted that his focus for the weekend would shift toward race pace rather than qualifying performance. We know that it will be less focused on performance in qualifying, Hadjar said. But this is a circuit where it is possible to overtake. Many things can happen. We have a good pace, so I hope to have a lot of fun on Sunday.

For more on this story, see British Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli passes Lewis Hamilton to win Silverstone.

Additional Grid Penalties at Spa

Hadjar is not the only driver facing grid drops for the Belgian Grand Prix. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll are also serving penalties due to power unit component changes. Norris, the reigning world champion, will drop 10 places after taking a fourth power electronics unit of the season. His penalty follows a series of reliability issues, including terminal failures of power electronics units in China and Monaco earlier this year. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll will also incur a 10-place penalty after moving to his fourth MGU-K of the 2026 season.

Strategic Context at Spa-Francorchamps

The decision to take these penalties at the Belgian Grand Prix is a common tactical move in Formula 1. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is known for being overtaking-friendly, providing drivers with a realistic opportunity to recover positions during the race. The Belgian Grand Prix marks round 10 of the 2026 championship. With 22 cars competing, the circuit remains the longest on the F1 calendar. Qualifying is scheduled to determine the final grid order, though the penalties for Hadjar, Norris, and Stroll will be applied to the final starting lineup for Sunday’s race.

This follows our earlier report, Antonelli Sets Pace at Belgian GP Practice.

Summary of Grid Penalties

The race is set to take place on Sunday, 19 July, at 14:00 BST. Live coverage is available throughout the weekend via Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app.